Anita Sarkeesian, a prominent author, blogger and feminist was forced to cancel a speaking engagement at Utah State University (USU) after school offices received an email threatening a mass shooting if Sarkeesian were allowed to deliver her presentation as planned, reports the Desert News.
Although the school decided to go ahead with the event, Sarkeesian ultimately canceled after learning police could not stop individuals from bringing in licensed firearms. Utah law allows anyone with a valid concealed carry permit to enter the university with a gun.
Sarkeesian was invited to speak at the university by USU’s Center for Women and Gender. She is the founder of the Feminist Frequency, a Web series that deconstructs female stereotypes in pop culture. The email USU received called Sarkeesian “everything that is wrong with feminist women.” According to a report by the Standard Examiner, the author of the email also stated, “feminists have ruined my life and I will have my revenge, for my sake and the sake of all the others they’ve wronged.”
Sarkeesian announced on Twitter that she was forced to cancel her speaking engagement because police would not take steps to prevent concealed firearms at the event. Her request for pat downs and a metal detector were also denied due to Utah firearms laws.
Although the author of the email claimed to be a student, police do not believe that to be the case as these threats are similar to ones Sarkeesia has received in the past.
